Two astronauts are stuck on the International Space Station for longer than expected because their spacecraft needs fixing. Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore went to the ISS on June 6 but won’t be back on Earth until at least June 26 due to issues with the Boeing Starliner.
The Starliner has had several problems, including issues with thrusters and helium leaks. Crews are working to fix these problems before the astronauts can safely return home.
NASA and Boeing initially planned for the astronauts to return on June 22, but they decided to delay the return to allow more time for analysis and preparation. Steve Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program manager, said they are confident Starliner will bring the astronauts back safely.
The crew will try to land in New Mexico next week. If they can’t land on June 26, the next opportunity will be on July 2.
Despite the delay, the astronauts are positive and making good use of their extra time on the ISS. Boeing sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback.
Boeing’s Starliner is competing with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon to transport astronauts to the ISS from the US. This mission follows previous challenges Boeing faced with the Starliner, including a failed test in 2019.